tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70511707302680820832016-12-09T06:25:53.166-08:00Chucking Line and Chasing TailSPEY WHAT?Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.comBlogger971125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-32137890975988953432016-12-09T06:11:00.002-08:002016-12-09T06:11:22.290-08:00Snow Day....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts0holXpUc4/WEq4AawVsNI/AAAAAAAAFcE/oMPzJqebBBULE7lvB9H0TdnVWzmaMu5LACLcB/s1600/snake%2Bsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts0holXpUc4/WEq4AawVsNI/AAAAAAAAFcE/oMPzJqebBBULE7lvB9H0TdnVWzmaMu5LACLcB/s640/snake%2Bsnow.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Another day up in the canyons, another day to ply the waters in winter.<br /><br />Typically, the valley floor stays snow free. &nbsp;The ridge tops get the brunt of winter, but the drop in elevation brings a 5-7 degree temperature difference that cancels out the brunt of winter's wrath<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bY6RNzHKNbE/WEq5EkQH_VI/AAAAAAAAFcM/WD0QbFKi46EsS8zDkTbwhH_Q3zOg86ppACLcB/s1600/dad%2Bsnow%2Bsnake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bY6RNzHKNbE/WEq5EkQH_VI/AAAAAAAAFcM/WD0QbFKi46EsS8zDkTbwhH_Q3zOg86ppACLcB/s640/dad%2Bsnow%2Bsnake.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Absent of wind, the snow lightly fell on us all day creating a silent escape on mid week day where work's responsibilities were put on the back burner.<br /><br />The massive wild hen that took me on a sprint down the river's edge was everything we could hope for. &nbsp;The grab to break the monotony and light up my nerves. &nbsp;A big jump to show her size, &nbsp;the powerful runs and unwillingness to give up decrying her wild origin. &nbsp; She gave me the middle fin as she popped the leader with a head shake at my feat and escaped quickly back into the flow. <br /><br />OMR's mouth was agape as I felt the tinge of disappointment. &nbsp; I reconciled it with a celebratory shot of whiskey with my old man and the realization that I don't really need another hero shot. &nbsp;It was a caught fish and my ego would survive.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEsFqfQspnA/WEq6s20Yy_I/AAAAAAAAFcY/YZ4Ws-l0NRUQY-ijeZRYNSPtwz1J-mGbwCLcB/s1600/dogs%2Bsnow%2Bsnake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEsFqfQspnA/WEq6s20Yy_I/AAAAAAAAFcY/YZ4Ws-l0NRUQY-ijeZRYNSPtwz1J-mGbwCLcB/s640/dogs%2Bsnow%2Bsnake.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The dogs jumped around and bounded into the fresh powder all day long. &nbsp;The world was quite and we had the river to ourselves.<br /><br /><br />Just like grade school kids, we all need a snow day now and again.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-8509171670511892752016-12-05T06:14:00.001-08:002016-12-05T06:14:38.064-08:00Meat...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DLQ-x-oY1Q/WEV0tIn7zOI/AAAAAAAAFbw/IhAxiETUWY4AXb4xoZzEq6Fk7A1D8qxQwCLcB/s1600/hamburger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DLQ-x-oY1Q/WEV0tIn7zOI/AAAAAAAAFbw/IhAxiETUWY4AXb4xoZzEq6Fk7A1D8qxQwCLcB/s640/hamburger.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There's no cellophane to unwrap here. &nbsp;No sale pricing to look for<br /><br />No club cards to scan, no choice of paper or plastic.<br /><br />No finding that good parking space and picking up lunch meat at the deli counter<br /><br />Nope, this is get your hands dirty meat procurement. 50 pounds of super organic venison that families share around the dinner table, connect and tell stories about.<br /><br />It's messy, it's labor intensive and you viscerally feel every pound you push through the grinder<br /><br />If you do have to go to the store, make sure to pick up a nice red wine or a hoppy IPA, as they do well to bring the flavors out knowing where your food comes from.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-16505920594360893252016-11-30T05:49:00.002-08:002016-11-30T05:49:41.581-08:00Meant To Be...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTosirZeSvQ/WD7XPTFNQ5I/AAAAAAAAFbc/a3Iitptv-BobM6hdhB0pTJjOmHCFWD_BwCLcB/s1600/steelhead%2Blip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTosirZeSvQ/WD7XPTFNQ5I/AAAAAAAAFbc/a3Iitptv-BobM6hdhB0pTJjOmHCFWD_BwCLcB/s640/steelhead%2Blip.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Grabs come in all shapes, sizes, subtleties, &nbsp;and levels of aggression.<br /><br />Sometimes those grabs just dont stick. &nbsp;You're asking a fish to hit a moving target and no matter how properly your fly is constructed, the arrow doesnt always hit the bullseye<br /><br />On the other hand, landing a particular fish is just meant to be. &nbsp;Take a peek at this example. <br /><br />The grab was violent, suggesting that the hook had buried in the proper place in the fishes mouth. &nbsp;When we landed the hatchery hen and took her ashore, I laughed when the hook fell out of a tiny piece of skin on the outside of her jaw.<br /><br />It was literally the luckiest landed fish of my life. <br /><br />It was just meant to be. Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-36190041232908107472016-11-24T07:22:00.000-08:002016-11-24T07:22:13.055-08:00His First Pheasant Hunt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vhM90RD8so/WDcAx05piNI/AAAAAAAAFa0/Gn9mVdvvaOckXpuJD83YpmfW13UBFQRiwCLcB/s1600/carson%2Bpheasant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vhM90RD8so/WDcAx05piNI/AAAAAAAAFa0/Gn9mVdvvaOckXpuJD83YpmfW13UBFQRiwCLcB/s640/carson%2Bpheasant.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The dogs quivered in their kennels as we parked to hit the first piece of cover. &nbsp; &nbsp;They dropped me off and drove back to the other side of the cover belt and we would meet in the middle, pinching the birds together<br /><br />Approaching their position, I could see one big orange coat followed by a much smaller coat. &nbsp;Big C's first pheasant hunt was in motion<br /><br />6 years ago with the arrival of my first son came the excitement of having a partner in the field and on the river, just like my father and I. &nbsp;Resisting year after year to overdue it and expose him and his brother too early he was finally ready to go. &nbsp;Big enough, strong enough and showing some excitement to join his father and OMR.<br /><br />A couple of hens got up out of range but the dogs indicated that there was more. &nbsp;As we got closer to each other we let the dogs really get to work<br /><br />"Stay behind Poppa Fay"<br /><br />"Watch the dogs buddy, they're getting birdy"<br /><br />"Isn't this fun!"<br /><br />Finally the dogs hit paydirt and the rooster rocketed up at 15 yards going left to right. &nbsp;Close enough to take my time and let the bird elevate<br /><br />Boom. &nbsp;Clean miss.<br /><br />Shocked that I missed such an easy shot and filled with a bit of terror that I wasnt going to bring home the bacon on Big C's first experience, I re-steadied and let the pellets roll.<br /><br />The wild rooster crumpled to the ground<br /><br />Turning around to see the awestruck face of Big C and the big smile of OMR was a moment I'll never forget<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVGLBJarLoE/WDcEe7zGl9I/AAAAAAAAFbE/gSpldvgLjl4M-CkbOiI-NnIGb8SRKze6wCLcB/s1600/Carson%2Bpheasant%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVGLBJarLoE/WDcEe7zGl9I/AAAAAAAAFbE/gSpldvgLjl4M-CkbOiI-NnIGb8SRKze6wCLcB/s640/Carson%2Bpheasant%2B2.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One more bird later and a lot of walking, we called it a day a bit early. &nbsp; You could see how tired he was getting by how many times he fell in the tall grass and the last thing we needed was to turn it into a forced march. <br /><br />He played the roll of a typical 6 year old. &nbsp;Asking questions about funny stuff, his imagination and focus wondering from time to time. &nbsp;Still he saw a glimpse of what we do when we bird hunt and I knew we won the day when he said this to OMR and I at the end of the day.<br /><br />"Can we go pheasant hunting again"<br /><br />You bet we can buddy, you bet.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-32604923183848408742016-11-20T09:14:00.001-08:002016-11-20T09:14:25.036-08:00BHA Presents Jewels of the North Umpqua...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A3s-N2Q1hmY" width="520"></iframe><br /><br /><br />My number one place on my bucket list is poised to have hundreds of thousands of acres permanently protected<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.backcountryhunters.org/help_oregon_bha_protect_the_frank_moore_steelhead_sanctuary">Frank Moore Steelhead Sanctuary</a> needs your support. &nbsp;Join the Backcountry Hunters and Angler's petition to push our legislators to put this bill into law.<br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-49877791301707789142016-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:002016-11-16T06:00:09.595-08:00Swung Fly Beanie by Rep Your Water...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yeiu0DKmqNc/WCvgjyun66I/AAAAAAAAFak/cMCgaWtLTlkPuJy2IUWAl8pxEiNDIjw5wCLcB/s1600/RYW%2Bbeanie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yeiu0DKmqNc/WCvgjyun66I/AAAAAAAAFak/cMCgaWtLTlkPuJy2IUWAl8pxEiNDIjw5wCLcB/s640/RYW%2Bbeanie.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dear Santa,<br /><br />In the upcoming months, I will be standing in near freezing water with wind screwing with each of my casts. &nbsp;Typically it's a war of attrition. &nbsp;Who can stand there long enough to get the elusive grab?<br /><br />Its been a bummer year on the fish catching front. &nbsp;I can used every advantage I can get.<br /><br />My ears would greatly appreciate this beanie. &nbsp; Think you can hook one up from <a href="https://www.repyourwater.com/collections/knit-hats">Rep Your Water</a>?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Josh<br /><br />----<br /><br />Jokes aside, check out the 13 new varieties of knit caps by our good friends at Rep Your Water. Aside of the fleece lined goodness, they donate 10% of the proceeds from their goods to rock solid non profits like the <a href="http://www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/">Wild Steelhead Coalition.</a>Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-17578026681859646182016-11-11T05:30:00.002-08:002016-11-11T05:30:25.974-08:00A Fall Brown Trout PSA...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1tI21m95zw/WCXE0EALW1I/AAAAAAAAFaU/QFG4lzlgzZQb_pKqUQSIfUOBCPFTuXWSQCLcB/s1600/Brown%2BTrout%2BRed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1tI21m95zw/WCXE0EALW1I/AAAAAAAAFaU/QFG4lzlgzZQb_pKqUQSIfUOBCPFTuXWSQCLcB/s640/Brown%2BTrout%2BRed.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Take a good gander at that coloration change in the picture above. &nbsp;It's a Brown Trout nesting bed, aka a "redd"<br /><br />Burn it into your brains. <br /><br />Now couple that info with the fact that Brown Trout are Fall spawners and you now are an enlightened angler.<br /><br />Right now wherever you can find them, browns are doing or staging to do the sexual tango. &nbsp;At the same time, the predacious and nasty streak they have in them becomes focused on protecting their reds. &nbsp;Along with with they're typically spawning in relatively shallow water and or in smaller tributaries, they become easy pickings for the less scrupulous angler.<br /><br />Ladies and Gents, maybe you should leave them along right now.<br /><br />Ask yourself, is it worth it to show post up a picture of a fish you caught defending a red so you can collect likes or glorify yourself with a slew of ego driven hashtags?<br /><br />Every fish we pursue has their own different times we just need to leave them alone. &nbsp;Rainbows in the late spring, steelhead at the end of their journey, so on and so forth. &nbsp; Let them do their thang, make babies and propagate the rivers and lakes with healthy populations.<br /><br />A big thanks to the <a href="http://www.wyflyshop.com/">West Yellowstone Fly Shop</a> for their leadership on this issue.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-73729663951658260002016-11-08T06:05:00.001-08:002016-11-08T06:05:14.047-08:00A Bustling Airport...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKrAH8zzyDM/WCHaFGt3aPI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/HkjIhZHW3pkvmf8X8DArIEMeQbnt5CLeQCLcB/s1600/IMGP0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKrAH8zzyDM/WCHaFGt3aPI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/HkjIhZHW3pkvmf8X8DArIEMeQbnt5CLeQCLcB/s640/IMGP0015.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The things you see while on the trail of feather, fur and fins.<br /><br />I always get a kick out of this place. &nbsp;The weeds tend to conceal the landing strip and there welcoming crew consist of Mule Deer, Chuckars, Quail, a mangy Coyote and maybe a herd of Elk.<br /><br />Right smack in the midst of thousands of acres of <a href="http://www.trcp.org/">public land</a>, the log book has about 4-5 planes a year. <br /><br />It's at the gateway to Hells Canyon, with canyon walls providing a glorious backdrop to what I have to believe is one hell of a place to land a plane.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-38932078908717265142016-11-03T21:44:00.000-07:002016-11-03T21:44:40.242-07:00#FreetheSnake Rally In Spokane Nov. 14th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6vEblGik5w/WBwMQFY22aI/AAAAAAAAFZo/8Q6diT21og8d8M182CbUoIBmcrLkEXqxwCLcB/s1600/IMGP0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6vEblGik5w/WBwMQFY22aI/AAAAAAAAFZo/8Q6diT21og8d8M182CbUoIBmcrLkEXqxwCLcB/s640/IMGP0021.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's go time.<br /><br />November 14th is Spokane's opportunity to express why it's time to #freethesnake.<br /><br />There's a couple of events leading up to the Public "Open House" at the <a href="http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2016/feds-announce-hearings-for-public-to-weigh-in-on-lower-snake-river-dam-removal">Historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane.</a> &nbsp;Let's really be honest, these public hearings are a sham at best. &nbsp; The open house format is meant to deflect away from what's really at hand, the possibility that it's time to take out these salmon and steelhead killing dams. <br /><br />But what we can do is show up in force, peacefully speak our minds and tell the federal agencies that it's time to take out these deadbeat monoliths of yesteryear.<br /><br />First join us at at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/202409580200014/">Rotary Fountain in Riverfront Park at 3:30pm</a> with a rally hosted by<br />Save Our Wild Salmon<br /><br />After the hearing at the Davenport, the party moves to the Post Street Ale House to celebrate everyone's effort and the possibility of a free flowing Snake River<br /><br />Come be a part of a big time opportunity, see you November 14th.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-62462067574993072572016-10-31T07:00:00.000-07:002016-10-31T07:00:00.638-07:00Hardy Irony...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pA5EBSJEtK0/WBa3Adx4v2I/AAAAAAAAFZY/y-USqMaKgpcZ8yUMJ-fr0t-bIJ2oE_lWgCLcB/s1600/IMGP0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pA5EBSJEtK0/WBa3Adx4v2I/AAAAAAAAFZY/y-USqMaKgpcZ8yUMJ-fr0t-bIJ2oE_lWgCLcB/s640/IMGP0014.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Just betting that when this reel was made in the 1960s, that it a bass wasn't the intended quarry it was made for<br /><br />Just sayin...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-52301510862877663762016-10-26T06:11:00.003-07:002016-10-26T06:11:44.048-07:00Hands of a Hunter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQQwkgCkwG0/WBCrMYIIbEI/AAAAAAAAFZE/S7puPBTAPacL7bxy4rOv0ABB3QccSsaDgCLcB/s1600/Dads%2BHands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQQwkgCkwG0/WBCrMYIIbEI/AAAAAAAAFZE/S7puPBTAPacL7bxy4rOv0ABB3QccSsaDgCLcB/s640/Dads%2BHands.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />His hands told the story. Over his 62 years of big game hunting, these hands have been awash in blood more than most. Wrinkles and cracks of experience, the heart that drives him daily for more experience. Go grab life by the balls like OMR does. We've only got one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-25770200373161054692016-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:002016-10-24T06:00:00.166-07:00The 5 Year Old Deer Hunter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdSQFZCodlU/WA14JIPZGPI/AAAAAAAAFY0/pie2AY6Q45oX6WbCnyhOynC1VDBRORFJACLcB/s1600/Carson%2BHunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdSQFZCodlU/WA14JIPZGPI/AAAAAAAAFY0/pie2AY6Q45oX6WbCnyhOynC1VDBRORFJACLcB/s640/Carson%2BHunting.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"Dad, I think I hear the deer!"<br /><br />No son, that's just wind hitting the grass. <br /><br />"Who made this poop?"<br /><br />That'd be a cow son....just a cow.<br /><br />"Hey Dad, do you think we can have a snack break?"<br /><br />Sure buddy, no problem<br /><br />10 minutes later...."Dad I'm starving"<br /><br />20 minutes later...."Dad, I need another snack"<br /><br />"Is that hawk?" &nbsp;"Is that lake cold?" &nbsp;"Can I throw some rocks into the lake?"<br /><br />Yes, Yes, and Yes<br /><br />There's a deer, a doe<br /><br />"where?" &nbsp;Right there. &nbsp;"where?" &nbsp;To your left "I still dont see it Dad"<br /><br />No problem buddy, there will be more<br /><br />The best part of our 2 hour hunt? &nbsp;Turning around to see him in full out prayer, asking god to get us a deer. &nbsp; I had to chuckle at that one, not sure if the Lord Almighty is in the business of delivering venison.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-75862561435379346072016-10-18T06:31:00.001-07:002016-10-18T06:31:22.739-07:00In Respect of Private Ground...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--f2Y05R72Cw/WAYdR5Ob6VI/AAAAAAAAFYk/TpjACmmIyoc_4GpeivwBaNp-ADO5awoqACLcB/s1600/deer%2Bhunting%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--f2Y05R72Cw/WAYdR5Ob6VI/AAAAAAAAFYk/TpjACmmIyoc_4GpeivwBaNp-ADO5awoqACLcB/s640/deer%2Bhunting%2B2016.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sometimes, I feel like the land is mine I know it so well. <br /><br />We park in the same spot, direct the dogs the same way each time and patrol the draws for deer in about the same pattern<br /><br />I can tell you stories like the first deer we got on the property, celebrated with a bear hug with my dad and a long drag out across the channeled scablands<br /><br />I can tell you which way the birds are going to flush, or what brush will stop a running pheasant.<br /><br />I can just about point out most of my embarassing misses, and can recall the birds found by our labs Willow, Dakota and Murphy after we thought they were long lost in the sea of reeds and grass<br /><br />I can tell you a lot about the family that graces us with permission to hunt on their land. &nbsp;Every one has a great story...... Who's retiring this year, who's getting married and who likes bottle of Canadian Whiskey on their doorstep as a thank you for the privilege of hunting on family land.<br /><br />It's wide open country where a few families control or own most of the access. &nbsp;There are a few pieces of public ground in this area and private land is where success happens for the most part.<br /><br />Starting over 30 years ago with a polite knock of a door here and a bar door there, OMR started the process of getting access on different pieces of ground in this ocean of private land.<br /><br />Some years we loose some, some years we gain some.. &nbsp;There are stalwarts who greet us with a smile and a handshake and always say yes. &nbsp;Others it's a 50/50 proposition. &nbsp; Dancing back to the truck with an approval to hunt on a choice piece of ground is great, just make sure the landowner is at least back in the house before you do.<br /><br />I cannot be a bigger advocate for public land preservation. &nbsp;On the other side of the coin, there are a great number of private landowners will give us as hunters and fishermen and women a wonderful privilege. &nbsp;I often ask myself would I have the grace to let someone else, often times a complete stranger, traipse about my property if I had it. <br /><br />It's a hard question to answer, but I thank god that many nice families give us that permission. <br /><br />And with that, a tip of a hat to all the people who stared back at me from the age of 12 years old to now that give us a great gift, to hunt on their land. &nbsp;If you get the yes, &nbsp;please do everything in your power to keep that relationship going and do all you can to not tarnish their opinion of others who also seek that access<br /><br />All in all, dont be afraid to knock on a door or two. &nbsp;Smile and say thank you....the answer of yes comes a lot more than you'd think.<br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-15148074005076276542016-10-13T06:47:00.000-07:002016-10-13T06:47:10.928-07:00Free Showing of PROVIDENCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0bBBJTSQEw/V_-M4hAnfbI/AAAAAAAAFYU/FZPxj-cpXhk0XFHv9cMj9CqeCOUQPsPLwCLcB/s1600/providence%2Bfilm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0bBBJTSQEw/V_-M4hAnfbI/AAAAAAAAFYU/FZPxj-cpXhk0XFHv9cMj9CqeCOUQPsPLwCLcB/s640/providence%2Bfilm.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://north40flyshop.com/">North 40 Fly Shop</a> is hosting a FREE showing of the newest Confluence Films flick "Providence" this Saturday the 15th at the <a href="https://www.redlion.com/templins">Post Falls Red Lion</a>.<br /><br />In hosting 2 showings of previous films from Confluence, you're in for some of the best cinematography in all of fly fishing.<br /><br />The Providence Atoll where most of the filming takes place is one of the most remote destinations you can find when tossing a fly around. &nbsp; Filled with big nasty predacious fish, along with Bonefish and more, this looks like a hell of a way to spend a Saturday night<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="280" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/170709236" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="520"></iframe><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/170709236">Confluence Films PROVIDENCE Trailer</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/confluencefilms">CONFLUENCE FILMS</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />Pick up your free tickets at the <a href="http://north40flyshop.com/locations/coeur-dalene-fly-shop/">Coeur d'Alene North 40 Fly Shop</a><br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-8614118833433077162016-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:002016-10-10T07:00:13.868-07:00The Backwards Fly in North 40 Fly Shop E-Mag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0jqXtsfVHE/V_ueTyq0gbI/AAAAAAAAFYE/UTGmbNVGBGkcsKV0fOe4kbUO0ScA4eLswCLcB/s1600/october_flyshop_emag_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0jqXtsfVHE/V_ueTyq0gbI/AAAAAAAAFYE/UTGmbNVGBGkcsKV0fOe4kbUO0ScA4eLswCLcB/s640/october_flyshop_emag_cover.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />North 40 Fly Shop continues to kick out the great content with this month's e-mag<br /><br />This is the steelhead edition for October. &nbsp;Check out the article on page 8, a little explanation of a completely backwards fly that crushes<br /><br /><a href="https://www.joomag.com/magazine/north-40-fly-shop-emagazine-october-2016/0188776001475178823?short">ENJOY!</a>Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-21245691448799377162016-10-06T22:08:00.000-07:002016-10-07T08:43:57.991-07:00Land Transfer Forum In East Wenatchee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wbKpjdGaiQ/V_ckKXzn-EI/AAAAAAAAFX0/hjOJaH4k8LYU-EQ3CLrF38T9RTQU9JAtwCLcB/s1600/Land%2BTransfer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wbKpjdGaiQ/V_ckKXzn-EI/AAAAAAAAFX0/hjOJaH4k8LYU-EQ3CLrF38T9RTQU9JAtwCLcB/s640/Land%2BTransfer.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you're in Central Washington on October 12th and you value the outdoor opportunities that exist because of public land, you need to be at this meeting listed above.<br /><br />First and foremost, Utah Congressman <a href="http://westernpriorities.org/2016/01/19/rob-bishops-public-lands-initiative-is-an-insidious-attack-on-our-public-lands/">Rob Bishop</a> is no friend to public land and public access issues. <br /><br />Congressman Dan Newhouse from Washington's <a href="http://blog.trcp.org/2016/06/15/opening-shots-fired-as-house-considers-public-land-transfer-legislation/">voting record </a>clearly indicates he falls in the same camp as Bishop<br /><br />Their position that federal land should be moved to state control because states know how to manage the land better than the federal government is a complete farce.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ekv996IhjLM" width="520"></iframe><br /><br />Dont let this opportunity to voice your opposition directly to the policymakers themselves.<br /><br />RSVP your attendance to Jamie.Daniels@mail.house.gov or call 509-452-3243<br /><br />Cant be there? &nbsp;Let your public officials know that you wont stand for this land transfer nonsense by signing <a href="http://sportsmensaccess.org/">the Sportsman's Access Coalition petition</a>.<br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-29450175279674021072016-10-03T20:15:00.000-07:002016-10-03T20:15:14.210-07:00$15 for 15...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWZj9d-z0_w/V_MaqAkgYXI/AAAAAAAAFXk/4-YyEELOx28nbj_Vz2EnbGyZdHLOm4G5QCLcB/s1600/15%2Bfor%2B15%2BWSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWZj9d-z0_w/V_MaqAkgYXI/AAAAAAAAFXk/4-YyEELOx28nbj_Vz2EnbGyZdHLOm4G5QCLcB/s640/15%2Bfor%2B15%2BWSC.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2016 mark's the 15th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/">Wild Steelhead Coalition</a>, and today we're kicking off a fundraising campaign to mark the occasion<br /><br />We’ve come a long way since a diverse group of conservation-minded anglers decided to join forces in 2001 following the closure of North Puget Sound steelhead rivers. Now, led by a dedicated board and backed by thousands of passionate members, we are a formidable force for the protection of wild steelhead throughout the waters of the West Coast.<div><br /></div><div>Take a peek at some of what we consider our top <a href="http://wildsteelheadcoalition.org/2016/10/15-years-15-great-accomplishments/">15 accomplishments</a>&nbsp;that our ragtag bunch of volunteers and advocates have accomplished. &nbsp;Despite that, our work is far from over.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the coming months alone, wild steelhead face a number of critical management decisions that will have a monumental impact – most notable is the decision on whether the Skagit Watershed will become a Wild Steelhead Gene bank. <a href="http://wildsteelheadcoalition.org/donate/">Please help us continue our fight to protect wild steelhead and ensure the Skagit becomes a WSGB by donating 15 dollars today</a></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Just like how the WSC started small, donations on the smaller side can continue to build the groundswell that is happening in anadromous fish recovery<br /><br />Of course, there's a little carrot to dangle out there make it fun<br /><br />Make a donation of &nbsp;$15 or more and 3 lucky winners will be randomly drawn to win these prizes from our amazing sponsors<br /><br /><a href="http://echoflyfishing.com/project/classic2h/">Echo Classic 11ft 8 weight switch rod</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.korkers.com/footwear/fishing/devils-canyon.html">Korkers Devil’s Canyon Boots</a></div><div><br />Fisherman’s Priest by <a href="http://confluencerods.com/">The Confluence Rod Company</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you in advance, click <a href="http://wildsteelheadcoalition.org/donate/">HERE</a> to donate.</div>Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-29353504151954990492016-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:002016-10-03T06:00:32.113-07:00Public Hearings on Lower 4 Snake River Dam Remova<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jSnzosgu_M/V_HBlligjDI/AAAAAAAAFXE/FoPzIAFpz8AmiLckSdQMu_QjmZ7yP-9uACLcB/s1600/Lower%2BGranite.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jSnzosgu_M/V_HBlligjDI/AAAAAAAAFXE/FoPzIAFpz8AmiLckSdQMu_QjmZ7yP-9uACLcB/s640/Lower%2BGranite.jpeg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />Oh how the tide has turned in the conversation of dam removal.<br /><br />The Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced hearings seeking public input to develop a new plan to save endangered wild salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The new process comes as the result of a U.S. District Court <a href="http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2016/u-s-district-court-sides-with-wild-salm">ruling</a> last May siding with fishing businesses, conservation groups, clean energy advocates, the State of Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe that found the last federal plan for protecting endangered fish fatally flawed<br /><div><br /></div><div>Federal agencies have been kicking the can down the road for decades when the question comes up regarding the feasibility of removing the lower 4 Snake River Dams. &nbsp;Court ruling after court ruling have pushed plan after plan back to the drawing board and last May's ruling finally chided the feds for the continued repackaging of a nonworking plan.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the first time in 16 years, public comment is now being requested on what should be done with these structures that have to most, outlived their working purpose.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you fish, hunt, live and or value healthy working riverine ecosystems, it's time to show up to as many of these public meetings and voice your opinion...LOUDLY</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdzPsXAiSik/V_HFJmeA9WI/AAAAAAAAFXU/OnAQGqpDOoEOfww9SQMfvclorxkKniZFwCLcB/s1600/free-the-snake_mosquito-fleet-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdzPsXAiSik/V_HFJmeA9WI/AAAAAAAAFXU/OnAQGqpDOoEOfww9SQMfvclorxkKniZFwCLcB/s640/free-the-snake_mosquito-fleet-800.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's our chance to right the ship and make meaningful strides to salmon and steelhead recovery</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets stop spending hundreds of millions of dollars on mitigation efforts that are not really working</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's let some of the best anadromous fish habitat do it's job by giving the fish an easier path to get there.<br /><br />Let's reap the economic benefits of a health river system. <br /><br />Let's show up in droves and voice our opinions<br /><br />Hearings begin on Oct. 24th in Wenatchee and roll all the way through December, ending in Astoria, Oregon on the 8th. &nbsp;Find the nearest one to you, go to as many as you can and invite all you can.<br /><br />This is a monumental opportunity, dont let it pass you by<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.crso.info/Library/20160929-NR-NOI.pdf">HERE</a> for a list of all scheduled hearings.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-68917167459488140402016-09-28T20:32:00.003-07:002016-09-28T20:32:50.575-07:00Another Reason To Support Keeping It Public<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iG1kzgw0big" width="520"></iframe><br /><br /><br />If you're not paying attention, we're going to loose a very big piece of our nation's identity.<br /><br />Wake upMillsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-72370807514857722812016-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:002016-09-26T06:00:18.307-07:00The Ragan Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RT69KfTIMQ/V-inpvUhQDI/AAAAAAAAFWc/1FyggQuaWBkGrA9oMLkHJy1hL4PwAEdpQCLcB/s640/Ragan%2B2.jpg" width="520" /></i></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What a night...<br /><br /><a href="http://chuckraganmusic.com/">Chuck Ragan</a> can flat out belt out a song and play a guitar. &nbsp; Along with a pedal steel guitar backing him up, &nbsp;it was a real treat to watch him amongst the other 150 others who came out to support the <a href="http://www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/">Wild Steelhead Coalition</a> at the new <a href="http://www.filson.com/tours">Filson </a>flagship store in downtown Seattle this past Friday night<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wW18mwSHVL8/V-irKxyWS_I/AAAAAAAAFWs/3PcLgeTb7kE2GuEnBM6DkoK84lf8_T0jwCLcB/s1600/Ragan%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wW18mwSHVL8/V-irKxyWS_I/AAAAAAAAFWs/3PcLgeTb7kE2GuEnBM6DkoK84lf8_T0jwCLcB/s640/Ragan%2B1.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After it was all said and done, the biggest feeling I came away with is gratitude<br /><br />To the people who came out and shared the evening with us<br /><br />To Filson, who donated the space to us for free<br /><br />To the board members who ran point on the event and did all the heavy lifting to make it all run smoothly<br /><br />To Georgetown Brewery who donated the delicious beer<br /><br />For those who opened their wallets and gave generously to help us raise critical funds that help support the mission of recovering Wild Steelhead across their historical range<br /><br />Most of all, to Chuck Ragan and his bandmate Todd Beene for donating their time and talents and kicking ass on stage. &nbsp; &nbsp;Their music resonates with soul, truth and honesty. <br /><br />Surely I am missing others that helped in the event, it takes a community to make nights like this go<br /><br />Thank you to all and we cant wait to do it again.<br /><br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-44422156398357593822016-09-22T06:06:00.003-07:002016-09-22T06:06:32.456-07:00This Friday, Chuck Ragan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkPoMlER-2Q/V-PVv_HN2kI/AAAAAAAAFWI/kNcneRPeptcIwDWA6og1La4uGPiNuQcxQCLcB/s1600/ChuckRagan_11x17_Poster-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkPoMlER-2Q/V-PVv_HN2kI/AAAAAAAAFWI/kNcneRPeptcIwDWA6og1La4uGPiNuQcxQCLcB/s640/ChuckRagan_11x17_Poster-web.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ok, you may have heard that we at the Wild Steelhead Coalition are having a little shinding this Friday Night.....<br /><br />Good, than I'll expect to see you there. &nbsp; You see, Mr Ragan is one hell of an artist. &nbsp;Oh, by the way, he's flying in a steel guitar player from somewhere down south. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ePpMJa5tKDw" width="520"></iframe><br /><br />It's kick ass Americana, soulful as it gets.<br /><br />Join us, help us raise money and have a great time. &nbsp;See you Friday<br /><br />Get your tickets <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2593101">HERE</a>.<br /><br /><br />Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-24526558719349285842016-09-19T21:26:00.002-07:002016-09-19T21:26:29.337-07:00One Thousand....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUxqO8dmjAw/V-C2AXD0x_I/AAAAAAAAFV4/pgxsIFygCSQBNL5EfuNEGX0K8lUR9lx6wCLcB/s1600/IMGP0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUxqO8dmjAw/V-C2AXD0x_I/AAAAAAAAFV4/pgxsIFygCSQBNL5EfuNEGX0K8lUR9lx6wCLcB/s640/IMGP0244.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One thousand blog entries. &nbsp;It's a number that's snuck up on me.<br /><br />It all started <a href="http://millsfly.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-fingers-hurt.html">HERE</a> on January 25th, 2009. <br /><br />It's been 7 years of writing. &nbsp;The early entries sometimes make me cringe when I re read them, but they formed the base point to where this outpost is now<br /><br />Most of all, I am thankful for what this blog has done for me. &nbsp;I am so appreciative of the people out there that continue to read what I put out there. &nbsp;The connections I have made with amazing people, the organizations, the businesses and wild places have become cornerstones of this life I am living.<br /><br />Over 570,000 pageviews. &nbsp;Tens of thousands of unique visitors. <br /><br />I am humbled. &nbsp;Here's to the next 1,000, or whatever is around the cornerMillsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-62956710837279327232016-09-14T22:39:00.000-07:002016-09-14T22:39:09.795-07:00Free The Snake This Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh7sUA8qn80/V9oyDaU_vbI/AAAAAAAAFVo/1NdaRGJOoxs4gLWo-hzx3hSZ2LUp2axzACLcB/s1600/Free%2Bthe%2Bsnake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh7sUA8qn80/V9oyDaU_vbI/AAAAAAAAFVo/1NdaRGJOoxs4gLWo-hzx3hSZ2LUp2axzACLcB/s640/Free%2Bthe%2Bsnake.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last year's event was amazing. &nbsp;This year its going to be bigger, way bigger<br /><br />Be a part of the 2nd annual "Free the Snake Floatilla" on Saturday the 17th.<br /><br />From the<a href="http://www.freethesnake.com/"> Free The Snake </a>web site<br /><br /><i>Last year more than 300 people from throughout the Pacific Northwest came together for a river recreation day to combine their voices in support of lower Snake River restoration. This year, the Free the Snake Floitilla is back and will paddle through the heart of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers.<br /><br />Wild salmon, steelhead, and pacific lamprey are dying by the thousands due to the dams on the lower Snake River: Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. These four unnecessary dams are costing taxpayers millions to maintain and repair. Meanwhile, energy produced by these dams is being replaced by clean energy alternatives. The dams’ primary purpose, barge transportation, has declined nearly 70 percent. It’s time to remove these outdated, low-value, deadbeat dams. <br /><br />Join us September 17, 2016 to tell our elected leaders it's time to remove the four lower Snake River dams, begin the largest wild salmon recovery effort in the world, and revitalize economies, communities, and cultures throughout the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. It's time to free the Snake!</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>It was very impactful to be there last year. &nbsp;My two young boys got to witness history. &nbsp;The route of restoration is before us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Register and get more info via the Free The Snake site and be a part of history, again. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, if you're struggling to understand why taking out these 4 dams on the lower Snake River is a good idea....then watch this</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="260" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/132785443" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="520"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/132785443">Free the Snake: Restoring America’s Greatest Salmon River</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/patagonia">Patagonia</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-79512664992125262552016-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-12T22:34:21.068-07:00Become #PublicLandsProud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IM3B0kbRuk/V9eAoy_GEvI/AAAAAAAAFVY/2a6G3VZSgEESGZwFCN0C16m3GFW1_1oKwCLcB/s1600/spokane%2Briver%2Bpublic%2Blands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IM3B0kbRuk/V9eAoy_GEvI/AAAAAAAAFVY/2a6G3VZSgEESGZwFCN0C16m3GFW1_1oKwCLcB/s640/spokane%2Briver%2Bpublic%2Blands.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Photo-Brian Cronin</i><br /><br />You launch in the shadows of downtown, a cool water refuge amongst 500,000 people living their lives. &nbsp;Most oblivious to the jewel the city has running through it, let alone the public land adjacent to it that lets anyone and everyone use it<br /><br />The 4 mile float along the lower Spokane is a corridor of wildlife in the midst of urban living. Various land grants started Riverside State Park in 1933 and today it's a vital part of the health of our river and the city itself. <br /><br />It offers wildlife a place to call home. &nbsp;Parkland a place flourish. &nbsp;An escape into nature five minutes from the front door of Nordstrom.<br /><br />It's a buffer to life's craziness. &nbsp;I take solace knowing I can tangle with a wild redband rainbow as thousands of cars rush overhead the Maple Street Bridge. &nbsp;It's there, in perpituity because of a strange concept that we have in America<br /><br />Public Lands. <br /><br />There's 640 million acres of public land across our country that are there for the good of the people. Some in far off distant and remote stretches of the West, others right smack dab in the middle of cities all around the country. <br /><br />It's weird because most countries around the world have NO public land that allow for the type of recreation that we just know as normal<br /><br />Private rivers and forests. &nbsp;Pay to play. &nbsp; The domain of kings and queens<br /><br />What we have is so special. &nbsp;So incredibly special and yet it's at risk.<br /><br />Right now, &nbsp;there are interests lining up to try and take public lands out of the public trust.<br /><br />They decry the federal government's waste and poor management of land in their control all while defunding the agencies that can take care of them<br /><br />They want public land in federal control transferred to state's control.<br /><br />Often times when that happens, states lack the ability to care and maintain that land, and boom....the land that once was public is now purchased in excess land selloffs and into private control<br /><br />You're now locked out....typically to resource extraction interests. &nbsp;Timber, minerals and natural gas for example<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ra44yBgISSs" width="520"></iframe><br /><br />If you spend anytime outdoors, chances are you are using public lands. &nbsp;Some state, some federal, it doesnt matter.<br /><br />Fish, Hunt, Hike, Bike, Swim, Run, ATV, Horseriding, Ski and so many more. &nbsp;It doesnt matter, we all use it together.<br /><br />It's time you become #publiclandsproud, educate yourself and act<br /><br />First step in the process is get to the <a href="http://sportsmensaccess.org/">Sportsman's Access Coalition </a>page and sign the petition backed by the dozens of groups and businesses that stand for public access. &nbsp;You're name will be added to the list delivered to governors, local politicians, congressional delegations, senators and more as one of the tens of thousands who've drawn a line in the sand on this issue.<br /><br />Second, join the awesome groups like <a href="http://www.trcp.org/">TRCP</a> and <a href="http://www.backcountryhunters.org/">Backcountry Hunters and Anglers</a>. &nbsp;These men and women are on the frontline of the fight to keep our land public. &nbsp;They know the legislation. &nbsp;They know the lands at risk and they deserve your money and support<br /><br />Lastly, incorporate the hashtag <a href="http://sportsmensaccess.org/public-lands-proud/">#PublicLandsProud</a> in your social media where applicable. &nbsp;It will help to expand the message to others and who knows, there might be a <a href="http://www.tu.org/connect/groups/30-days-of-public-lands/public-lands-proud">contest or two</a> out there sponsored by outdoor retailers who get that their success is tied to our outdoor heritage.<br /><br />Imagine your favorite deer stand locked up behind a timber company gate<br /><br />Imagine the boat launch roped off or the sportsman's access to your favorite river is gone.<br /><br />Imagine your mountain biking trails are gone<br /><br />Piss you off? &nbsp;Good. &nbsp;Dont let it happen on your watch.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051170730268082083.post-13700681850641595052016-09-08T06:40:00.001-07:002016-09-08T06:40:38.672-07:00Craigslist, Oh Thank You Craigslist...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5cYzBOLDoY/V9FliVutb9I/AAAAAAAAFVA/8rIVv_BpFZYuAGN7QrN-KAq4KLU2atpRQCLcB/s1600/Fly%2BTying%2BCollection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5cYzBOLDoY/V9FliVutb9I/AAAAAAAAFVA/8rIVv_BpFZYuAGN7QrN-KAq4KLU2atpRQCLcB/s640/Fly%2BTying%2BCollection.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It stared back at me from the computer screen like a gleaming piece of gold<br /><br /><i>"Fly Tying Collection--$500"</i><br /><i><br /></i>A fellow tier from Seattle clued me into this goldmine, as somehow it escaped my notice on Craigslist in Spokane. &nbsp; There it was, an almost unbelievable amount of tying materials, gear, hooks and more for a ridiculous price<br /><br />Finally the poster got back to me and we arranged a time to see it. &nbsp;His father had passed and he doesnt fish or tie, so it was time for it to go. <br /><br />It was bin after bin. &nbsp;Row after row of just about everything you could think of and a little bit more.<br /><br />38 full or partial necks or saddles. &nbsp;Dozens and dozens of threads. &nbsp;More tools than I could imagine<br /><br />Did I mention 5 different vices?<br /><br />If you ever need chenille, v rib or any type of pheasant, I'm your guy.<br /><br />It really got me thinking about the gentleman that assembled this collection over the last few decades. What got him excited about tying and fishing? &nbsp; Where was his favorite place to go, what was his favorite fish to pursue? &nbsp; &nbsp;The amount of materials suggested he was a commercial tier, but his son said it was just his hobby<br /><br />I found it a bit sad that this man's passion didnt stay in his family but in a way, I'd like to think it did.<br /><br />While I never met the man, I'd hope he'd be happy to know that all of these items will be put to good use. &nbsp;I hope to teach my son's on the some of the vices in the collection. &nbsp;I hope they tie their first crappy, ill conceived wooly bugger with the chenille and saddle hackle that he bought years ago<br /><br />It's taken me a few weeks to really go through the collection and I'm still not done. &nbsp;I'm still discovering treasures daily.<br /><br />Thank you craigslist, you've been good to me.Millsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07616654726885326222noreply@blogger.com0